Method and device for starting an internall combustion engine

• US 20040221828A1
• Filed: 02/05/2004
• Published: 11/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Sieber, Udo, Kassner, Uwe, Moessner, David, Ries-Mueller, Klaus
• Granted Patent: US 7,134,414 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 123/179.3
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/2044 using pre-magnetisation or post-magnetisation of the coils
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0844 with means for restarting the engine directly after an engine stop request, e.g. caused by change of driver mind
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0848 with means for detecting successful engine start, e.g. to stop starter actuation
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/10 Safety devices F02N11/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2200/022 Engine speed
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2300/2002 using different starting modes, methods, or actuators depending on circumstances, e.g. engine temperature or component wear
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 99/006 Providing a combustible mixture inside the cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/40 Engine management systems

Abstract

A method and a device for starting an engine system, especially of a vehicle, which make possible a start of the engine system that is as quick and comfortable as possible. In this context, it is tested for a start request whether a starter-free starting method leads to a successful start of the engine system. For the case in which the test result is negative, the engine system is started automatically using a starter.

Claims

1. A method for starting an engine system of a vehicle, comprising:

in response to a start request, performing a starter-free starting method;

testing whether the starter-free starting method leads to a successful start of the engine system; and

if the engine system is not successfully started using the starter-free starting method, automatically starting the engine system using a starter.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating a temperature of the engine system.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the temperature is an oil temperature.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating a rotary speed of the engine system.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the testing for the successful start is conducted by evaluating a position of a crankshaft of the engine system.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the starter-free starting method is a pulse starting method.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the starter-free starting method is a direct start method.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the engine system is started directly in the direct start method using direct gasoline injection.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

if the automatic starter start fails, automatically starting the engine system with the aid of the starter-free starting method.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the start request is detected upon operation of an operating element when the engine system is shut down.

11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the operating element is an accelerator.

12. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising:

if the start request is after a shutting down of the engine system, testing whether the rotary speed of the engine system is in a first specified range; and

if the rotary speed is in the first specified range, starting the engine system in a starter-free manner.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising:

if the rotary speed of the engine system is in a second specified range, which is below the first specified range, starting the engine system by an immediate intervention of the starter.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising:

if the rotary speed of the engine system is in a third range, which is below the second specified range, starting the engine system by the intervention of the starter, after a running down of the internal combustion engine.

15. A device for starting an engine system of a vehicle, comprising:

an arrangement configured to perform a starter-free start of the engine system in response to a start request;

a testing arrangement configured to test whether the starter-free start leads to a successful start of the engine system; and

a switchover arrangement configured to automatically start the engine system using a starter if the starter-free start did not lead to a successful start.